The Supercar Renaissance and the Birth of the Hypercar (Part 2)
Now the Jaguar XJR-15 of 1991, that was what the XJ220 was supposed to be. It may have only 450 BHP but because it weighs the same as a TVR Griffith, it can match the more powerful XJ220 from 0-60 and will top 200 flat out. But what the XJR-15 lacks in top speed it makes up for in cornering and braking, provided it’s not in full 700 BHP LM spec. The XJR-15 is more like the F40 in being a back-to-basics kind of car, focussing on race car technology such as several components being borrowed from the XJR-9 Group C car as well as the full carbon fibre body, but it’s not the greatest from this period. The Bugatti EB110 (also launched in 1991) packs both brute force, technology, and luxury. It’s 4-wheel drive system provided plenty of grip off the line and in the corners. It’s 60 valve 3.5 litre V12 with 4 turbos makes 550 BHP and despite being garnished with plenty of wood and leather it will top 210 MPH and in stripped out Supersport form it can get close to 220 MPH, firmly putting...